People are often devastated when they or their loved ones are involved in a vehicular accident. It’s even more devastating for the families of crash victims when the driver who caused the accident had been inattentive while behind the wheels. Distracted driving is a huge concern in the U.S., and it’s often a challenge to prove it as the cause of an accident.
Distracted driving often lead to fatal crashes, yet it’s hard to prove
Just recently, the Los Angeles truck accident lawyers were informed of a deadly crash involving a big rig in the Explosion Park area. Reports revealed that the two female teenagers who were siblings were struck by a large vehicle as they walk their way to school. The older sister, a 14-year-old succumbed to her injuries while the younger one was taken to a hospital and was listed in critical condition. The truck driver whose name was not revealed was not arrested even reports said that the victims had a green light. The trucker stopped at the crash scene, and there’s no evidence that he’s under the influence of intoxicants.
However, a friend of the victims who witnessed and initially responded to the crash told authorities that the truck driver “had his head down” a few moments before the deadly crash took place. The sisters’ friend told the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer that the trucker didn’t see her as she attempted to call the driver’s attention. Authorities are expected to check the trucker’s phone to figure out if he was using it moments before the accident.
Phone logs and nearby security cameras could be a piece of evidence to prove distracted driving if the driver does not admit that he or she uses a mobile device while on the road. While cell phone use is commonly associated with distracted driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it could also be any activity that diverts the driver’s attention while behind the wheels. Eating, drinking, changing the radio station, setting up a navigation device, and even talking to a passenger are considered forms of distracted driving. Many activities can make people inattentive while driving and they could not be aware of it. Crash survivors find it frustrating if the driver who caused the accident doesn’t admit that he or she is distracted during the time of the crash.
Distracted driving crash victims are left with serious financial loses
Aside from emotional trauma, the parents of the two girls recently struck by a heavy truck have to deal with expensive funeral and medical costs. Road accident survivors consider working with a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer, so they may have a chance to recover the damages they sustain. An experienced lawyer may help crash victims prove if a driver had been inattentive before the crash and determine all liable parties.
Distracted driving can lead to fatal accidents especially if large vehicles are involved. Crash survivors are often left with a tremendous financial burden, but if they think that an inattentive driver is a factor in the crash, they may consider enlisting a skilled lawyer to possibly recover their loss.